Bozeman News

Suspicious person reported near Bozeman elementary school

Posted: Feb 11, 2013 4:17 PM

BOZEMAN - Bozeman police are encouraging parents to talk to their children about stranger safety after a Hyalite Elementary student reported being approached by a man in a pickup truck last week.

A female first grader said that she was approached by a man in a pickup truck while walking home from school at the intersection of West Babcock and Yellowstone Avenue on Tuesday, Feb. 5, according to a news release from police. She said that the man opened the passenger side door and said, "Get in the truck." The girl said she told him "no" and ran back to an adult on Babcock, at which time he drove off, the release states.

The truck is described as a dirty, black, two-door older model pickup truck, possibly a Ford Ranger or truck of similar size, with an extended cab. The man is described as possibly in his 20s, with brown hair and short brown facial hair. He was reportedly wearing a black coat. There was also a black dog in the truck, according to the release.

Police say they will continue to maintain a visible presence near area schools as they investigate the incident. They also encourage parents to talk to children about stranger safety and what to do if they are approached by an unknown person.